Gluten-Free Greece

By Georgia Spanidis
www.bitsandbitesgf.com
@bitsandbitesgf

Greece, Gluten-Free: Enjoying the Food, Family, and Culture

Greece has always felt like home to me. I grew up surrounded by Greek food, family, and traditions, so when I was diagnosed with celiac disease, one of the things I worried about most was how my relationship with Greek food would change.

Over the years, and after spending many summers in Greece, I’ve learned that I can still enjoy so much of what I love about Greek cuisine. Greece can actually be a wonderful destination for someone with celiac disease. You just need to know what to look for and be mindful of cross-contact.

What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges?

For me, the biggest challenge isn't finding food that doesn't contain gluten. Greek cuisine naturally includes so many gluten-free options: grilled meats and fish, Greek salad, vegetables, potatoes, rice, cheeses, olives, and dips.

The challenge is making sure those foods are prepared safely.

I never assume that something is gluten-free simply because the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. I always ask how a dish is prepared, whether sauces or seasonings contain gluten, and whether there is a risk of cross-contact.

For example, I’ll ask whether grilled foods are prepared on a shared cooking surface or whether fried foods are cooked in a shared fryer. These are questions I’ve learned to ask over the years because, when you have celiac disease, it’s not just about what’s on your plate. It’s also about how it got there.

Larger cities, particularly Athens, tend to offer more gluten-free options. But things can be a little more challenging when travelling to smaller towns or islands, where dedicated gluten-free options may be limited. That’s when doing a little research ahead of time can make a big difference. I like knowing where I can eat before I arrive, especially when I’m visiting somewhere new.

Some of My Favourite Gluten-Free Spots in Greece

Greece has become much easier for me to navigate over the years, particularly in Athens.

Greek Stories is one of my favourite restaurants because it is completely gluten-free. Being able to sit down and enjoy a meal without having to question every ingredient is something I never take for granted. And if you go, the fried calamari is a must!

I also love Veganaki, which has a great selection of naturally gluten-free options. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy plant-based dishes and try something a little different.

And for something more traditional, Marinos Kosmas Bakery is a great find. They offer gluten-free versions of Greek favourites like baklava and tiropites and so many more traditional Greek sweets. 

Grocery Shopping in Greece

Major supermarket chains, including Lidl, Sklavenitis, and Masoutis, often carry gluten-free products. Of course, selection varies from store to store, but I can usually find a few things to keep on hand when I’m travelling.

I find this especially helpful when I’m staying somewhere with limited restaurant options or when I just want something simple to have on hand.

My Advice for Someone Visiting Greece for the First Time

Don't let celiac disease stop you from enjoying Greece.

Research a few restaurants before your trip, especially if you're heading to a smaller island. I also recommend carrying a Greek celiac restaurant card that can help with explaining your dietary needs.

Even though English is widely spoken in Greece, having your dietary needs clearly written down can make things easier. I find that it takes some of the pressure off when you're trying to explain what you can and can't eat.

Food is such an important part of Greek culture, and I know how disappointing it can feel when you're first diagnosed and wonder if you'll ever be able to travel and enjoy food the same way again.

I’ve been there.

Over time, I’ve learned that I can still enjoy the foods I grew up with. I can still travel to Greece, sit around a table with my family, and be part of those moments that have always meant so much to me.